End of Life…for Windows 7
Have you seen this message when installing SolidWorks 2018? With each major release it’s important to check the system requirements before installing.
Windows 7 is currently the most popular operating system, with about 68% of PCs worldwide using this OS! But did you know it’s currently past “mainstream” support? As a Windows program, SolidWorks will discontinue support for that operating system, so as you’re choosing new systems keep that in mind!
From the Windows website:
*Support for Windows 7 pre-service pack 1 ended on April 9, 2013. Be sure to install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 to continue to receive support and updates.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet
Here are the SolidWorks dates for Windows 7 support going forward:
So what does this mean to SolidWorks users? Customers running 8.1 should plan on migrating to Windows 10 to install SOLIDWORKS 2019 or newer. Windows 7 will need to migrate if installing SolidWorks 2021 or newer.
Also remember to check Windows Server product compatibility before upgrading (PDM, SolidNetwork Licensing, etc.)
SOLIDWORKS Server Products
Operating System | SOLIDWORKS 2016 | SOLIDWORKS 2017 | SOLIDWORKS 2018 |
Windows Server 2016 | – | (2017 SP2) | |
Windows Server 2012 R2 | |||
Windows Server 2012 | |||
Windows Server 2008 R2, SP1 | – |
And be sure to stay up-to-date with all the system requirements.